File No. 165.102/57
The Ambassador in Germany ( Gerard ) to the Secretary of State
Berlin , September 22, 1914, 10 p.m.
[Received September 23, 11 p.m.]
[Telegram]
271. Referring to my telegram No. 227, 19th. The embargo on cyanide is on the kind used in mining industry and was put on to prevent British getting cyanide for their production gold in the Transvaal. Although certain exporters had informed me that the Secretary of the Interior here had agreed to export of dyes, quantities cyanide, on their giving guarantee that consignment was for United States, I am now informed by Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs that because of fear that British may take goods of this [Page 411] kind from Holland ships on the way to America, no exports of dyestuffs, cyanide, chemicals, and medicines will be allowed, although destined for United States, in Holland ships, but I am informed that if American ships are sent to Holland, such exports will then be allowed. Suggest that such ships can bring a cargo of cotton and copper consigned to Holland merchants. Can not such ship under international law come direct to German ports? If America wants dyestuffs, cyanide, and chemicals send these American ships.